At 31 weeks, a baby weighs around 3.3 lbs (1.49 kg) and measures just over 16 inches (40.64 cm), and from this point growth shifts from length to weight gain as the limbs and body begin to fill out. The baby can now differentiate between day and night, uses all five senses, and has trillions of brain connections forming, while approximately 75% of twins will assume a cephalic (heads-down) position around this time. Mothers can expect symptoms including heartburn, Braxton Hicks contractions lasting up to 30 seconds, insomnia, and possible colostrum leakage — with more than four Braxton Hicks contractions per hour warranting an immediate call to a medical provider. Blueberries are highlighted as a particularly beneficial pregnancy food, offering folic acid, vitamin C, iron, and selenium, with a cup per day recommended as part of a balanced diet.
- At week 31, a baby weighs approximately 3.3 lbs (1.49 kg) and measures just over 16 inches (40.64 cm) from head to toe.
- From week 31 onward, fetal development shifts focus from length growth to weight gain, with limbs and body becoming noticeably plumper.
- Approximately 75% of twins move into the cephalic (heads-down) position around week 31 to facilitate vaginal delivery.
- Braxton Hicks contractions, which occur during the second half of pregnancy, can last up to 30 seconds and are generally irregular and painless.
- If Braxton Hicks contractions occur more than around 4 times in one hour, this may signal pre-term labour and requires immediate medical contact.
- Blueberries are identified as the fruit with the highest amount of antioxidants and are a source of folic acid, vitamin C, iron, selenium, and zinc beneficial during pregnancy.
- A cup of blueberries per day is noted as a sufficient amount during pregnancy, with larger quantities cautioned against due to tannin content and a potential link to oral cancer risk.
Pregnancy Diary Week 31
Discover your pregnancy journey
Pregnancy Diary Week 31
From now on you can expect less development in the length of your baby, as from this point on baby will be mostly putting on weight. There’s no wonder you may be experiencing a full feeling in your belly, the kind of feeling you get after a big meal!
Discover
How your baby is growing
What you can expect at this time
A beneficial food for your pregnancy nutrition
Pregnancy Diary Week 31: How Is Your Baby Growing?
Baby is now weighing in around 3.3 lbs (1.49 kg) and from head to toe is just over 16 inches (40.64 cm) in length. From week 31 of pregnancy is when you can expect baby to have a good growth spurt in terms of gaining weight.
Her limbs and body are already beginning to become plumper, plus she can move her head from side to side.
She is now able to pass water from her bladder, and also tell the difference between day and night. Most likely baby is getting even livelier now in terms of movement and kicks, some women like to keep a diary of this.
Baby’s reproductive system is continuing its development. In her brain trillions of connections develop and by now she is using all of her five senses.
For those of you with twins on the way, it is around this time that they will be assuming their final positions for birth. Approximately 75% of twins get into the cephalic position (heads down) in order to make vaginal delivery easier.
What you can expect
Apart from the full feeling that you may be experiencing, you may have heartburn due to the pressure of baby growing. Also, insomnia is experienced in some pregnancies, and if this is the case for you just remember to avoid caffeine before bedtime. Instead either take a relaxing warm bath or drink a nice milky drink.
By this stage, your uterine muscles are tightening from time to time, which you experience in the form of random contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions which occur during the second half of pregnancy.
These are generally irregular and can last up to 30 seconds, plus they should be painless and infrequent. However, if they are frequent this could be a sign of pre-term labour, so if there are more than around four of these in one hour, you definitely need to call your medical.
Some of you may be noticing leakage of pre-milk (colostrum) from your breasts, so it will be more comfortable to use nursing pads.
Blueberries For Pregnancy Nutrition
You may have already heard the hype about blueberries but here is a gentle reminder that blueberries are the fruit that has the highest amount of antioxidants. They are also an excellent source of folic acid, which of course may be beneficial for baby. Blueberries are packed with vitamin C, copper, B complex, vitamin A & E, selenium, iron and zinc. During pregnancy, iron helps to prevent oxidative stress.
The selenium contained in blueberries helps baby’s brain and nervous system to develop optimally. For Mums-to-be they help alleviate urinary tract infections. Do be aware that like any other food blueberries should be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet and a cup of blueberries per day is sufficient. Additionally, digestive trouble and constipation can be helped due to the high fibre content.
If you are someone who has previously suffered from an allergy to other berries then be careful with blueberries. Also, be aware that they contain tannin which can add to the risk of oral cancer if consumed in large amounts.
You can easily add blueberries into your cereal or mix them with natural yoghurt, but here are some other ideas.
Enjoy A Blueberry Smoothie
Combine half a cup of frozen blueberries, with half a cup of fresh blueberries. Grate the rind of half a lemon, and get one teaspoon of the lemon’s juice. Add half a cup of crushed ice, a dash of nutmeg and a quarter teaspoon of vanilla if you fancy it, then whizz them all together for around 30 to 40 seconds in the blender.
Pregnancy Diary Week 31
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DISCLAIMER
All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
ANNOUNCEMENT
This website was formerly Merrion Fetal Health. The clinic has undergone a rebrand and is now known as Merrion Ultrasound.
How much does a baby weigh at 31 weeks pregnant?
At 31 weeks, a baby weighs around 3.3 lbs (1.49 kg) and measures just over 16 inches (40.64 cm) from head to toe. From this point on, the baby focuses primarily on gaining weight rather than growing in length.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions and when do they occur?
Braxton Hicks contractions are random tightenings of the uterine muscles that occur during the second half of pregnancy. They are generally irregular, painless, and can last up to 30 seconds. If more than four occur in one hour, you should contact your medical provider as this could indicate pre-term labour.
What can you expect to feel at 31 weeks pregnant?
At 31 weeks, common symptoms include a full feeling in the belly, heartburn caused by the pressure of the growing baby, insomnia, and possible leakage of colostrum (pre-milk) from the breasts. Using nursing pads can help manage breast leakage more comfortably.
What position do twins get into at 31 weeks?
Around 31 weeks, twins begin assuming their final positions for birth. Approximately 75% of twins move into the cephalic position, meaning heads down, to make vaginal delivery easier.
What senses has a baby developed by 31 weeks?
By 31 weeks, a baby is using all five senses and has developed trillions of brain connections. The baby can also tell the difference between day and night and move its head from side to side.
Why are blueberries recommended during pregnancy?
Blueberries contain the highest amount of antioxidants of any fruit and are an excellent source of folic acid, vitamin C, iron, selenium, zinc, copper, and vitamins A, B complex, and E. The selenium in blueberries supports the baby's brain and nervous system development, while iron helps prevent oxidative stress during pregnancy.
How many blueberries should you eat per day during pregnancy?
A cup of blueberries per day is considered sufficient during pregnancy. Blueberries should always be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet rather than consumed in excessive amounts, as large quantities contain tannin which can increase the risk of oral cancer.
How can you make a blueberry smoothie during pregnancy?
Combine half a cup of frozen blueberries with half a cup of fresh blueberries, the grated rind of half a lemon, one teaspoon of lemon juice, half a cup of crushed ice, a dash of nutmeg, and optionally a quarter teaspoon of vanilla. Blend everything together for 30 to 40 seconds.
How can you manage insomnia at 31 weeks pregnant?
To manage pregnancy insomnia, avoid caffeine before bedtime. Instead, try taking a relaxing warm bath or drinking a milky drink to help promote sleep.